Arts of Life is an incredibly supportive environment. There's much to learn from the artists and everyone else involved in the non-profit— the dedication and passion to their mission are very inspiring to watch. I'm super grateful to have the chance to work alongside everyone!
I think Arts of Life is such an amazing organization. They really create a unique and amazing environment for the artists. I curated a show there in the fall and working with the artist curators and staff was rad. I was lucky to be apart of the community and will continue to do so!
The Arts of Life is a deeply passionate organization that goes the extra mile to involve itself with Chicago and its many artists. They understand the impact and value of intertwining their artists with the communities around them. Even beyond that, they put on absolutely wonderful shows with their artists and invite prestigious curators and artists on a volunteer basis to put together spectacular events. I am always impressed with the lengths they go to every year to grow + reach further. As an artist, writer, and curator, I absolutely loved the time I spent working with the Arts of Life and love to watch their dreams flourish.
Arts of life is an amazing initiative that brings the art community together. I appreciate the respect they have for all the artists involved as well as their professionalism when in collaboration. They highlight incredible talent that needs to be recognized at the local and national level, I feel lucky to have worked with this organization and very excited for that they do next.
I first came across Arts of Life over 15 years ago as a recent grad from DePaul University. As a student I had become interested in how I might serve my community through making art and collaborating with people from a range of backgrounds. When I stumbled upon a listing from Arts of Life soliciting volunteers with an artists with an interest in disability advocacy I became fascinated with artists working in broader contexts beyond the "contemporary" art that I had learned about as a student. I began volunteering volunteering at Arts of Life in 2005 helping to archive the amazing work being produced at the studio. The organization was small then, 3 staff supporting about 10 artists. The model of the program was different than anything I'd ever seen. People treated each other as equals through an entirely democratic process that involved everyone who attended the studio. And and it was palpable that the work happening there was the definition of progressive. The artists who attend the program not only get a space, supplies and support to further their practice; the choices and invitation to participate in a real community of other artists affects major shifts in an individuals self-advocacy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. After all these years, as a continued supporter of Arts of Life, the mission of the organization has only expanded, however its core principles of respect and community continue to flourish. Its an amazing place to volunteer and connect with an exciting group of artists and the art community of Chicago.
I volunteered at Arts of Life as part of a grad school project. And without a doubt it is one of the greatest places I’ve ever had the fortune of working with. The artists are amazing, the staff is fantastic, the vibe is immaculate. The work they do is essential. Cannot possibly recommend this place enough.
I volunteered on the board for Arts Of Life for 6 years and got to see how truly wonderful they are from the back end. The staff here give their time tirelessly to make sure the artists get the supplies they need and the opportunities to grow within the art community. There isn’t an organization much better in all of Chicago! They are a true grassroots organization.
Arts of Life is truly a unique gift. I have been volunteering there for several years and look forward to continuing for many more.
It is a vibrant and dynamic resource for dozens of Chicago-area artists challenged by bravely living with a range of developmental and physical disabilities. These working artists are a tight-knit community of friends, mentors, and learners who practice professionalism and respect for one another while producing a prolific amount of visual and performing art projects.
This wonderful collaboration is made possible by a dedicated, talented, empathic, knowledgable staff--all of whom make the artists' experience fun and educational--imparting not only art-making skills but important life skills as well. I am particularly impressed by their compassion and ability to adapt to each individual's particular needs, which vary widely.
I am consistently inspired and awed by the artists' enthusiasm, pride, good humor, and sense of ownership for their own work and the organization as a whole. My time in the studio is always the highlight of my week.
Arts of Life hits that sweet spot, providing a valuable program for an underserved population while contributing to the larger community with magnificent artwork and regular events open to the public. Kudos to everyone involved!
I volunteer at Arts of Life and see the amazing work of both the staff and the community members. This very important NFP plays a vital role in providing a safe space for its artist to flourish. Many peoples lives would be empty without Arts of Life.
The Arts of Life is an incredible community that I feel very fortunate to be a part of. It provides much needed resources to an underserved population and increases the accessibility of art. Art is an incredible tool for expression and communication that should be accessible to everyone. This organization works hard to make this field more equitable. I've felt incredible gratitude for everyone in this community that is so consistently encouraging, uplifting, and committed to helping one another.
This is more than an organization -- it's a community. Important mission, dedicated staff, respected artists. Read the stories from client family members and volunteers. Peoples lives are being changed for the better. I know that my life has been!
Every member of the community has self-fulfillment goals they are continually working towards. The program is geared towards making sure participants are always making steps towards being their best self!
I worked here several years and had never been at a place like it before or since!
The Arts of Life is a great place to volunteer. I was able to do volunteer work that leveraged my professional skills and contribute to meaningful projects. I greatly respect the work that they do in providing professional opportunities to artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enabling them to do meaningful work and contribute to the broader community. It's a very necessary organization.
I volunteered at Arts of Life for just over a year, and I can't wait until I come back! The artists and staff are some of the best people I have ever met and had the pleasure to work alongside. Despite the COIVD-19 pandemic, the folks at Arts of Life remained positive and had a great outlook on how to work around social distancing and support those who needed to participate in an online setting. My position included managing virtual programming one day a week starting in 2020, which included some art directives to warm up the artists working in the studio and at home as well as discussions about current artwork. In addition to these responsibilities, I had the pleasure of working 1 on 1 with a few artists to work on their individual art practice. The interactions with staff were always warm and supportive and the artists, themselves, were what made volunteering so special and so meaningful. I feel really lucky to have spent time working in such an amazing environment!
The Arts of Life is a wonderful organization that brings great opportunities for development to the community they serve and their families. It also brings a whole new life experience for the staff and volunteering that really creates a positive impact in your life.
I love their enthusiasm, passion and professionalism in everything they do. The art work they produce has a noble purpose essence in life which is full of color and texture with a deep personal mark printed by each one of the artist.
We love The Arts of Life for their comitment and for what they brought to our lives.
I've been working with Arts of Life for 4 years and I can say this organization is KEY for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This organization helps to create leadership skills allowing the artist to grow professionally and independently. I've never been a part of such an amazing community as this one and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had here as an artist mentor and intern.
I have had such an enriching experience volunteering at the Arts of Life. I was able to work with incredible artists both in and outside their studio, and the exhibition we put on together was stellar. I also love the staff and administrators who keep everything running smoothly and working with volunteers to realize everyone's potential and needs. Such a great program!!
EVERYONE should know about this organization. Arts of Life is one of the only non-profits that allows adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a space to create art while strengthen their leadership skills. With the help of the organization, the artist's are given opportunities to showcase their work at places like Groupon HQ, Chicago Cultural Center, and Renegade Craft Fair. There's so much to love about Arts of Life, and more people should come and support. Plus, the art is AMAZING and the artist's are fun to hang out with.
I was an intern at Arts of Life in the Fall of 2018 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did they help me expand my writing and editing skill set, but I learned so much valuable information about the non-profit world, as well as the art world. The services and opportunities they provide for the artists that are patrons of Arts of Life are truly one of a kind and quite outstanding- and every one of the artists that I met had a passion for both Arts of Life and the work that they got to do there. Truly a 10/10 organization, although I can only rate it five out of five stars. I encourage any and everybody to look into this organization, volunteer, and donate as this is an organization that is so beneficial and helpful to artists with developmental disabilities and to their families.
This is an organization that truly makes a difference. Not only does the Arts of Life support its artist, they also empower them.The mission of Arts of Life is to employ and support artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These artists are provided with a working space, community, mentors and a professional gallery to exhibit the artists' works. This a truly amazing organization and I am proud and truly fortunate to be part of it.
I've volunteered for The Arts of Life for over 4 years and am so grateful I found it. The community is caring, respectful, vibrant, creative and open. I have never experienced anything like it. The artists have autonomy and are integrally involved in how their artistic practices are structured and the studio is run. I always leave with a smile on my face and a gratitude that I get to be a part of such an amazing place.
I never quite realized or appreciated that organizations like The Arts of Life existed to serve such a wonderful, talented, and (unfortunately) underserved population. After volunteering, I now know how important tAoL is, how committed and caring the staff is, and how the community it embodies is so instrumental in providing the artists an opportunity for personal expression, building self-assurance and developing mutual respect. It's a privilege to support their mission.
I've volunteered off and on at the Arts of Life for three years. I keep coming back because it is one of the most radically accepting and welcoming places I've ever been to. I love the amount of acceptance and independence given to the artists, really embracing people at all different levels and stages of life and helping them succeed in the way that's best for them. All the staff are truly caring and friendly.
Arts of Life is a unique and wonderful organization, and I can't recommend highly enough!
Nothing but great things to say. With a driven and passionate staff, Arts of Life continues to exceed my expectations. Experiences at the studio are intriguing, meaningful and impactful. Working with a variety of individuals with a variety of mediums is great for volunteers because everyone can find something they enjoy! Arts of Life also allows volunteers to take on more responsibility if they wish and hosts numerous events that are exciting and always for a great cause.
Arts of Life treats adults with disabilities with the respect they deserve, enhancing their self-worth and empowering their decision-making. All in a nurturing environment that inspires creativity and individual growth.
I've had the opportunity to be both volunteer and donor for Arts of Life.
Volunteers are embraced for their talents and counted on fully to contribute to the success of both day-to-day activities and special events.
The organization is youthful and forward-thinking, and unique in its mission. My experience with it's artists, musicians, staff and voluneteers has been positive and rewarding.